Keraia
Genesis 31

Genesis 31:52

Jacob’s Covenant with Laban · Genesis 31:43–55
Read Genesis 31

Translations

Modern
This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me.
Traditional
This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.
Literal
This heap is a witness, and the pillar is a witness, that I will not pass over this heap to you, and that you will not pass over this heap and this pillar to me, for evil.
Latin
…testis erit: tumulus, inquam, iste et lapis sint in testimonium, si aut ego transiero illum pergens ad te, aut tu præterieris, malum mihi cogitans.

Original

Hebrew
English
This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me.

Notes

Genesis 31:50–53

Laban added conditions to the treaty to try to justify himself. He used many words to hide his own dishonesty and make Jacob look unethical. He even claimed credit for the monument Jacob had built ("here is the pillar I have set up," 31:51). The women and children would be safer and better cared for with Jacob than they ever were with Laban.

Genesis 29:1–31:55

  • These chapters describe how God fulfilled his promise by greatly blessing Jacob with a family and possessions. God also disciplined Jacob, leaving him to struggle with Laban for many years. Laban was Jacob’s match in deception, and thus a means of correction.

  • The story of Jacob and Laban is similar to Israel's later stay in Egypt. Jacob struggled while serving his uncle but finally emerged with a large family (the founders of the 12 tribes) and great wealth. In Egypt, the Israelites suffered under their oppressors, but they also flourished, becoming a great nation of 12 large tribes and escaping with great riches.

Theme notes and profiles

Arameans Jacob Symbolic Numbers

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Landmark Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the

Topics

Contracts by Erecting a Heap of Stones Covenant of Men with Men by a Monument Covenant: Jacob and Laban Covenants: Designed For: Mutual Protection Laban: Pursues Jacob, Overtakes Him at Mount Gilead, and Covenants with Him Pillars of Memorial: To Witness Covenants Stones: Memorial Pillars of